Vacation Rental Guide for Tofino, BC Canada

Located on Vancouver Island, Tofino is considered Canada’s premier surf destination and consists of long coasts and endless landscapes of crystal blue waters, sprawling forestry, and stunning views. If you’re planning a Canada vacation, Tofino deserves a place at the top of your list.

Tofino, BC Canada offers a unique combination of mountains and ocean, allowing travelers a wide range of exciting outdoor activities. The city and local culture deliver one-of-a-kind, lasting memories you won’t make anywhere else, like Jamie’s Whaling Station Tofino and Chesterman Beach.

Take a romantic stroll through the nature reserves with your partner, embark on a bear-watching excursion with the family, or sign your group up for a cycling tour around the coastline; there are plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained while exploring Tofino!

Planning Tips

For first-time visitors, Tofino can be tricky to travel to if you don’t plan strategically. According to the official travel guide, the best ways to get to Tofino are via flights or buses that depart from Vancouver’s mainland.

The website also encourages visitors who are renting cars to consider the season they’re driving in and check local road and weather conditions before making the outbound journey. Furthermore, you can browse through their comprehensive travel tips on currency, driving laws, and beach laws to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable upon arrival.

We recommend taking a look at Tofino’s scheduled festivals (ex: Guerilla Film Contest and Feast Tofino) and events for the year to see if there are any you’d like to attend.

Festivals are held throughout the various seasons and can also mean a peak in rental capacities, so check beforehand and book early if you plan on coming during a busy time of year.

For more inspiration on how to plan your trip to Tofino and explore the area like never before, check out this guide book, 251 Things to Do in Tofino (Amazon), as well as our own top picks for hiking in Tofino.

Best VRBO Rental for Couples: Tofino Waterfront Home

With king-size beds and enough space for you and your partner to relax, this Tofino waterfront property serves as the perfect getaway for any romantic weekend. Overlooking the ocean from your private balcony, you can wake up in the mornings with a view of the sunset and the refreshing sea breeze.

The property comes fully-equipped with a spacious kitchen to cook meals for two, a living room lounge and relaxation space when you need a nap, and your very own hot tub on the terrace, where you can enjoy the cool evenings with a glass of wine and the warmth of the water.

If you decide to rent a car for the duration of your trip, free parking is available on the property, and water sports equipment is available for hire when inquiring further with the property host. If you and your partner want to bring the dog along, pets are also welcome in this waterfront home!

Things To Do Nearby for Couples

• Within walking distance to the area’s top restaurants, take your pick from casual pub food, such as burgers and cold beer at The Hatch Waterfront Pub, or for a finer seafood dining experience, check out 1909 Kitchen.
• After a hearty meal, walk off your food by trailing along the coastline until you reach the city center. There, you can explore artisanal shops before stopping into one of the city’s many famous art galleries, including the Mark Hobson Gallery or the Roy Henry Gallery.
• Finish your day in town with a view of the coast at The Anchor Lookout, take some stunning pictures together with a serene backdrop before grabbing a locally-roasted coffee at the Tofino Coffee Roasting Co., and heading back to your property for some “sleeping.”

Best VRBO Rental for Families: Eik Landing

Situated near the coast and only a few-minute walk from town, this property offers everything you need to keep your family occupied for a short vacation. With enough rooms for the parents to relax and kids to play, you can take your pick from three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

When the temperature drops, cozy up by the indoor fireplace, or have a family game night on the private terrace with some extra blankets. When you’re ready to eat, dining is made simple with a complete kitchen, cooking utensils, and all.

Laundry facilities are conveniently located within the property, and fresh linens are available for every room and guest. In no time, this property can quickly become your family’s home away from home.

Things To Do Nearby for Families

• Because of its terrain and climate, Tofino has thriving biodiversity that you can immerse yourself in when visiting. Consider a day out with Jamie’s Whaling Station Tofino, where the kids can get up close to the whales in their natural habitat.
• If your family is more adventurous, you can get out on the waters with canoe and kayaking tours delivered by the Tofino Sea Kayaking.
• You can also sign the family up for surfing lessons at Surf Sister Surf School and participate in Tofino’s most prominent attraction: its waves! Classes are available for all age groups and skill levels, so there’s room for everyone in your family to learn the basics of surfing.
• Once you’ve finally worn everyone out, grab a bite to eat Basic Goodness Pizzeria, known for their fresh salads and incredible pizzas that even the pickiest eaters will love. You can then take your time walking back to your fantastic property and curling into your comfy bed for a good night’s sleep.

Best VRBO Rental for Groups: Magnificent Tofino Beach House

This stunning property is designed to bring you closer to the outdoors without having to leave the premises. Ideal for larger families, friend circles, and team-building retreats, you’ll find everything you need for bigger groups in this beach house.

The house contains three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a small but fully-fitted kitchen, a dining room area, and a large terrace for lounging or relaxing. Laundry facilities are inside the property, and a comfortable hot tub and fireplace are available for colder evenings or winter getaways.

The property provides fresh towels and bedding for your guests and even has a supply of beach towels for those that want an early morning dip or a day in the sun.

Things To Do Nearby for Groups

• Located directly on one of Tofino’s most popular beaches, Chesterman Beach, the property overlooks the waters. It is just a few steps away from the soft sand and a spectacular sunset.
• The Tofino Botanical Gardens are within distance for any weddings or events, where you can take group photos and appreciate the natural colors of the foliage, plants, and greenery.
• If your group has rented a car and you don’t mind traveling a bit further, we recommend cruising down the coast to the Pacific Rim National Park. There, your bunch can enjoy a morning hike through the park with breathtaking views, and with enough outdoor space, you can participate in team-building activities and bonding games your group will love. Bring a camera, as this is a location you’ll want to remember.

Final Thoughts

Tofino, BC, has a wide array of activities that every age group will appreciate, including water sports, outdoor wildlife excursions, a dynamic cultural and art scene to explore, and a tasty selection of fresh seafood native to the island’s coast. Once you delve into all of the offerings that Tofino has, it’ll soon become your favorite beach destination that you won’t want to leave.

So, pack a towel because Tofino is waiting!